Fishing tackle is expensive and potentially hazardous and should be properly stored between uses to protect your investment and your health. Nothing can kill a spontaneous fishing trip faster than finding your rod and reel tied up in a rat's nest of a snarl because it wasn't put away properly after the last trip. Both children and pets are particularly vulnerable to accidental "hookings" when rods and reels are improperly stored.
Reel Storage and Protection
Some fishing reels are expensive and delicate, especially high-end reels that cost over $500. After every fishing trip, blow out reels with a can of compressed air, then cover the reel with a reel bag. Reel bag help keep dirt, grime and insects out of your reel mechanics. If you do not have custom-made bags for your reels, make a bag using large plastic bags or fashion them from recycled pants pockets. Keep your reel on your fishing rod unless you are accustomed to changing reels.
Rod Storage
Manufacturers have made fishing rods tougher but graphite and fiberglass rods are still easy to break. Your best bet is to store rods inside plastic or fiberboard rod cases or tubes. If you do not have custom tubes, you can make them from carpet remnant tubes, using plumbing pipe caps to close off the ends. Otherwise, store rods off the floor such as in a wall-mounted rack. You can also make a custom rod stand that will keep several rods in an upright position and separated from other rods.
Removing Hooks
Whenever possible, take extra precautions by removing all hooks from your fishing line before heading for home. Tie a metal washer on the line, then park the washer on the reel handle. You can also tie a loop with the fishing line and park the line on the reel handle. This simple precaution will prevent snags, snarls and accidental hookings.
Parking Hooks
If you do not want to take the time to remove your hooks or lures, at least park them safely by pushing the sharp points into the rod handle. If your rod handle is made of a solid material, cover the hook points with a small bit of cork. Reel the lure or hook all the way to the tip of the rod and lock the handle.
End of Season Practices
At the end of the fishing season, remove line from your reels. Spool it after removing the last 50 or 60 feet. Throw away the most-used line to eliminate lengths nicked from use. Reuse the spooled, good line next year. Lubricate your reel, if necessary, before storing it away.
References
- Bass Pro Shops: Protecting Your Fly Rod
- "The Ultimate Outdoorsman's Workshop Handbook: A Fully Illustrated Guide on How to Organize, Maintain, and Store All Your Outdoor Gear"; Monte Burch; 2007
- "Fishing Essentials for Dummies"; Peter Kaminsky; 2002
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